Mary Howitt The Spider And The Fly

Hey there, curious mind! Ever found yourself humming a tune while trying to catch a spider in your home? You're not alone. And guess who's been inspiring us to do just that since 1829? None other than Mary Howitt, with her delightful tale, "The Spider and the Fly". Let's dive in!

Meet Mary, the Storytelling Queen

Mary Howitt was a British writer who loved spinning yarns, especially for kids. She was like the ultimate storytime grandma, but with a knack for making even the creepiest crawlies seem charming. She once said, "I have always loved children, and have always loved to make them happy." And happy we were, thanks to her whimsical stories!

Enter the Web-Slinging Star

Now, picture this. It's 1829, and Mary's sitting by the fireside, her imagination dancing like the flames. She starts thinking about a spider, not as a scary creature, but as a clever one. And thus, our eight-legged hero was born.

The Spider and the Fly: A Tale Unspun

So, what's this story about? Well, it's a cautionary tale, but don't let that scare you off. It's more like a fun, little dance between a spider and a fly. The spider, with his silky web and smooth talk, tries to lure the fly into his trap. But the fly, she's not so easily fooled. She's got her wits about her, and she's not afraid to say no.

Here's a little taste of Mary's rhyming magic:

The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt read by Mr Belgrave - YouTube

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
" 'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;'
The Fly said, "No," but the Spider, would not let her go,
Until she consented, and walked into his parlour."

Why We Love It

This story's not just about a spider trying to catch his dinner. It's about making choices, being cautious, and standing up for yourself. It's about the power of saying "no" when something doesn't feel right. And it's all wrapped up in a fun, rhyming package that's been tickling our ears for almost two centuries!

So, Why Should You Care?

Well, aside from the fact that it's a delightful tale, "The Spider and the Fly" reminds us to stay sharp, to think critically, and to be brave enough to say no when we need to. It's a fun way to teach kids (and adults!) about making smart choices. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. Next time you see a spider spinning a web, you can say, "Hey, that's just like the spider in Mary Howitt's story!"

The spider and the fly : Mary Howitt's classic 1829 poem by DiTerlizzi

And who knows? Maybe Mary's story will inspire you to write your own tales, or to look at the world from a different perspective. Maybe it'll make you appreciate the little things, like the dance of a spider spinning its web. Or maybe it'll just make you smile, and that's enough.

Ready to Spin Your Own Tale?

So, go on, give "The Spider and the Fly" a read. Let Mary's words dance in your head, and see where your imagination takes you. Who knows? You might just find yourself inspired to create your own whimsical world. And remember, every story starts with a single word. So, why not start yours today?